U.S. patent application number 11/266020 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for direct bag insert vacuum packaging appliance.
Invention is credited to Landen Higer.
Application Number | 20060117711 11/266020 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36572633 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060117711 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Higer; Landen |
June 8, 2006 |
Direct bag insert vacuum packaging appliance
Abstract
A direct insert vacuum packaging appliance is disclosed. The
direct insert aspect of such a vacuum packaging appliance allows a
vacuum packaging bag to be inserted into the vacuum packaging
appliance directly and with ease. According to certain embodiments,
the direct insert vacuum packaging appliance includes a vacuum
chamber with drip tray and a clamping mechanism adapted for
receiving an open end of a vacuum packaging bag for evacuation of
gases from the vacuum packaging bag. Such a direct insert vacuum
packaging appliance may be lidded or lidless and may vary from
implementation to implementation.
Inventors: |
Higer; Landen; (Alamedn,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP
P.O. BOX 2168
MENLO PARK
CA
94026
US
|
Family ID: |
36572633 |
Appl. No.: |
11/266020 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60624799 |
Nov 2, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
53/434 ;
53/512 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 31/046
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
053/434 ;
053/512 |
International
Class: |
B65B 31/00 20060101
B65B031/00 |
Claims
1. A vacuum packaging appliance, the vacuum packaging appliance
comprising: a bag-insert mechanism disposed in an evacuation
chamber in an operable relationship to a receiving slot of said
evacuation chamber; and wherein said bag-insert mechanism is
operably oriented for receiving and engaging an open end of a
packaging bag.
2. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, wherein said
receiving slot of said evacuation chamber is oriented such that a
plane formed by a perimeter of said receiving slot is substantially
vertical relative to a substantially horizontal base of said vacuum
packaging appliance.
3. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 2, wherein said
receiving slot is located on a frontal face of said vacuum
packaging appliance.
4. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, wherein said
receiving slot of said evacuation chamber is oriented such that a
plane formed by a perimeter of said receiving slot is substantially
parallel to a substantially horizontal base of said vacuum
packaging appliance.
5. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, further comprises a
lid when said vacuum packaging appliance is used in a lidded
configuration, wherein said lid is adapted to statically seal said
evacuation chamber when said lid is moved to a closed position.
6. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, further comprises
inflatable bladders for vacuum sealing said evacuation chamber when
said vacuum packaging appliance is used in a lidless
configuration.
7. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 6, wherein said
inflatable bladders form an air-tight static seal of said
evacuation chamber when said inflatable bladders are sufficiently
inflated before evacuation of said packaging bag.
8. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 6, wherein said
inflatable bladders are inflated for moving mechanical static seal
components into a sealed position for forming an air-tight static
seal of said evacuation chamber.
10. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, further comprises a
heat sealing element for heat sealing said packaging bag.
11. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, wherein said
bag-insert mechanism includes a plurality of gripping posts for
releasably engaging said packaging bag to maintain said open end of
said packaging bag in communication with a drip tray in said
evacuation chamber.
12. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 11, wherein said
bag-insert mechanism includes receiving indentations corresponding
to said plurality of gripping posts for releasably engaging said
packaging bag to maintain said open end of said packaging bag in
communication with said drip tray in said evacuation chamber.
13. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, wherein said
bag-insert mechanism includes two flap portions connected by a
hinge mechanism, wherein said flap portions are rotatably movable
about said hinge mechanism between an open and a closed
position.
14. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, wherein said
bag-insert mechanism is removable from said evacuation chamber.
15. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, wherein said
bag-insert mechanism includes curved edges for easy removal from
said evacuation chamber.
16. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, wherein said
bag-insert mechanism is integrated with said evacuation
chamber.
17. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, wherein said
bag-insert mechanism is integrated with a removable drip tray
associated with said evacuation chamber.
18. A vacuum packaging appliance, the vacuum packaging appliance
comprising: a means for forming an evacuation chamber with an
opening oriented in a substantially vertical plane relative to a
substantially horizontal base of said vacuum packaging appliance;
and a means for receiving and engaging an open end of a packaging
bag wherein said means for receiving and engaging being disposed in
said evacuation chamber and being operably oriented in said
opening.
19. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 18, further comprising
a means for hermetically sealing said evacuation chamber.
20. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 18, wherein said means
for receiving and engaging is removable from said evacuation
chamber.
21. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 18, wherein said means
for receiving and engaging is integrated with said evacuation
chamber.
22. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 18, wherein said means
for receiving and engaging is integrated with a removable drip
tray.
23. An apparatus for vacuum sealing a packaging bag, said apparatus
comprising a vacuum chamber for evacuating gases from said
packaging bag and said vacuum chamber having an orifice suitably
oriented for allowing one end of said packaging bag to be inserted
directly into said orifice when said packaging bag is oriented in a
substantially horizontal position relative to said apparatus and
wherein said orifice includes a holding mechanism that is
adjustable for alternately securing and releasing said one end of
said packaging bag.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said holding mechanism
includes gripping posts for said alternately securing and releasing
said one end of said packaging bag.
25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said holding mechanism
includes two flap portions that are flexibly connected to allow
said flap portions to rotatably move between an open and a closed
position.
26. A method of packaging using a vacuum packaging appliance, the
method comprising: using a bag-insert mechanism into which an open
end of a packaging bag is directly inserted when sealing said
packaging bag is desired, wherein said bag-insert mechanism is in
operable relationship to an opening of an evacuation chamber of
said vacuum packaging appliance.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprises using said vacuum
packaging appliance in a lidded configuration by including a lid in
said vacuum packaging appliance and wherein said lid is adapted to
statically seal said evacuation chamber when said lid is moved to a
closed position.
28. The method of claim 26, further comprises using inflatable
bladders for vacuum sealing said evacuation chamber when said
vacuum packaging appliance is used in a lidless configuration.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein said inflatable bladders form
an air-tight static seal of said evacuation chamber when said
inflatable bladders are sufficiently inflated before evacuation of
said packaging bag.
30. The method of claim 28, wherein said inflatable bladders are
inflated for moving mechanical static seal components into a sealed
position for forming an air-tight static seal of said evacuation
chamber.
31. The method of claim 26, further comprises using a heat sealing
element for heat sealing said packaging bag.
32. The method of claim 26, wherein said bag-insert mechanism
includes gripping posts for releasably engaging said packaging bag
to maintain said open end of said packaging bag in communication
with a drip tray in said evacuation chamber.
33. The method of claim 26, wherein said bag-insert mechanism
includes two flap portions connected by a hinge mechanism, wherein
said flap portions are rotatably movable between an open and a
closed position about said hinge mechanism.
34. The method of claim 26, wherein said bag-insert mechanism is
removable from said evacuation chamber.
35. The method of claim 26, wherein said bag-insert mechanism is
integrated with said evacuation chamber.
36. The method of claim 26, wherein said bag-insert mechanism is
integrated with a removable drip tray associated with said
evacuation chamber.
37. The method of claim 26, wherein a receiving portion of said
bag-insert mechanism is oriented such that a plane that is
substantially parallel to said receiving portion is substantially
vertical relative to a substantially horizontal base of said vacuum
packaging appliance.
38. The method of claim 26, wherein a receiving portion of said
bag-insert mechanism is oriented such that a plane that is
substantially parallel to said receiving portion is substantially
parallel to a substantially horizontal base of said vacuum
packaging appliance.
39. A vacuum packaging appliance, the vacuum packaging appliance
comprising: a bag-insert mechanism disposed in an evacuation
chamber in an operable relationship to a receiving slot of said
evacuation chamber; inflatable bladders for sealing said evacuation
chamber; and wherein said bag-insert mechanism is operably oriented
for receiving and engaging an open end of a packaging bag.
40. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, wherein said
inflatable bladders form an air-tight static seal of said
evacuation chamber when said inflatable bladders are sufficiently
inflated before evacuation of said packaging bag.
41. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, wherein said
inflatable bladders are inflated for moving mechanical static seal
components into a sealed position for forming an air-tight static
seal of said evacuation chamber.
42. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, further comprises a
heat sealing element for heat sealing said packaging bag.
43. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, wherein said
bag-insert mechanism includes a plurality of gripping posts for
releasably engaging said packaging bag to maintain said open end of
said packaging bag in communication with a drip tray in said
evacuation chamber.
44. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 43, wherein said
bag-insert mechanism includes receiving indentations corresponding
to said plurality of gripping posts for releasably engaging said
packaging bag to maintain said open end of said packaging bag in
communication with said drip tray in said evacuation chamber.
45. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, wherein said
bag-insert mechanism includes two flap portions connected by a
hinge mechanism, wherein said flap portions are rotatably movable
about said hinge mechanism between an open and a closed
position.
46. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, wherein said
bag-insert mechanism is removable from said evacuation chamber.
47. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, wherein said
bag-insert mechanism includes curved edges for easy removal from
said evacuation chamber.
48. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, wherein said
bag-insert mechanism is integrated with said evacuation
chamber.
49. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, wherein said
bag-insert mechanism is integrated with a removable drip tray
associated with said evacuation chamber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/624,799, filed on Nov. 2, 2004.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is directed to packaging techniques,
and more specifically to bag insertion aspects of vacuum packaging
appliances.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Vacuum packaging is a process for removing oxygen and other
gases from containers holding food and other products that
deteriorate in the presence gases. For example, food spoilage can
occur due to oxidation. Thus, vacuum packaging can extend the life
of products that deteriorate in the presence of gases by removing
nearly all of the gases in a sealed container in which such
products are stored.
[0004] While vacuum packaging appliances are very useful, they can
be awkward to use. To explain, products that are to be vacuum
packaged can be stored using vacuum packaging bags. The open end of
the vacuum packaging bag needs to be carefully positioned in a
vacuum sealing chamber of the vacuum packaging appliance in order
to evacuate gases from the interior of the packaging bag. The
design of the vacuum packaging appliance may be such that the
placement of the packaging bag in the vacuum sealing chamber may
involve considerable dexterity and manual adjustment on the part of
the user. For example, the user is often required to hold the open
end of the packaging bag in place over the vacuum chamber while
simultaneously attempting to position the lid of the vacuum
packaging appliance in the closed position without jamming the
user's fingers.
[0005] In view of the foregoing, a more convenient method is needed
for inserting vacuum sealing packaging bags into vacuum packaging
appliances.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag-insert that can be
adapted for use in a vacuum packaging device, according to certain
embodiments.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bag-insert that is
juxtaposed with a sample packaging bag, according to certain
embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bag insert in a closed
position with upper flap disposed atop lower flap for gripping a
packaging bag.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bag-insert is oriented in
an operable relationship with an evacuation chamber.
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates the placement and removability of the
bag-insert from evacuation chamber, according to certain
embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a vacuum packaging appliance that
includes a direct bag-insert feature and configured for
under-cabinet or under-counter use, according to certain
embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a side cross sectional schematic illustrating some
of the features of a vacuum packaging appliance that includes a
bag-insert mechanism, according to certain embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of some features of
a lidless vacuum packaging appliance with a bag-insert, according
to certain other embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of some features of
a vacuum packaging appliance with a bag-insert in a lidded
configuration, according to certain embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lidded vacuum packaging
appliance with a bag-insert feature.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lidded vacuum packaging
appliance with a bag-insert feature, according to certain
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] According to one aspect of certain embodiments, the vacuum
packaging appliance is equipped with a bag-insert mechanism such
that an open end of a packaging bag can be directly inserted either
for evacuation and/or sealing the bag. According to one aspect, the
bag-insert is disposed in the evacuation chamber (also referred to
herein as a vacuum chamber) of the packaging appliance. According
to some embodiments, the bag-insert mechanism is removable from the
evacuation chamber for ease in cleaning, repair and/or replacement.
In other embodiments, the bag-insert is an integral component of
the evacuation chamber.
[0018] According to another aspect of some embodiments, the
bag-insert mechanism includes two flap portions that are connected
by a hinge mechanism such that the flap portions can be rotatably
disposed in an open position to receive an open end of the
packaging bag. Further, such flap portions can be rotatably
disposed in a closed position to hold the open end of the bag in
position during an evacuation procedure for evacuation of gases
and/or for sealing.
[0019] Further, according to another aspect of certain embodiments,
the bag-insert mechanism includes a gripping mechanism such as
gripping posts for maintaining the open end of the packaging bag in
position within the evacuation chamber. The embodiments are not
limited to any particular type of gripping mechanism and thus the
type of gripping mechanisms may vary from implementation to
implementation.
[0020] According to yet another aspect of certain embodiments, a
receiving portion of the bag-insert mechanism is operably oriented
in a substantially vertical plane relative to the horizontal base
of the vacuum packaging appliance. In certain other embodiments,
the receiving portion of the bag-insert mechanism is operably
oriented in a substantially horizontal plane that is parallel to
the horizontal base of the vacuum packaging appliance.
[0021] According to another aspect of certain embodiments, the
packaging appliance having a bag-insert may be in a lidless
configuration. According to one aspect of a lidless configuration,
inflatable bladders in the packaging appliance are inflated to form
a static seal for hermetically sealing the evacuation chamber
during evacuation of gasses from the packaging bag. In other
lidless configurations, inflatable bladders may be used as
actuators to move mechanical sealing elements to hermetically seal
the evacuation chamber. The embodiments are not limited to any
particular type of actuators, and thus the type of actuators may
vary from implementation to implementation.
[0022] In certain other embodiments, the packaging appliance with
bag-insert may be in a lidded configuration. According to yet
another aspect of certain embodiments, the packaging appliance is
configured as a counter-top appliance. However, in other
embodiments, the packaging appliance may be configured as an
under-the-counter (or under-cabinet) appliance.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag-insert that can be
adapted for use in a vacuum packaging device, according to certain
embodiments. Bag-insert 100 includes an upper flap 102a that is
operably hinged to a lower flap 102b by a hinge mechanism 104.
Upper flap 102a includes gripping posts 106. Lower flap 102b
includes indentations 110 that operate with corresponding gripping
posts 106 to maintain a grip on an open end of a packaging bag when
upper flap 102a is disposed atop lower flap 102b as depicted in
FIG. 3 herein. Further, bag-insert 100 includes curved edges 108
such that bag-insert 100 may be easily removed from an evacuation
chamber as described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 5
herein.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bag-insert 200 that is
juxtaposed with a sample packaging bag 212, according to certain
embodiments. FIG. 2 shows an upper flap 202a that is operably
hinged to a lower flap 202b by a hinge mechanism 204. FIG. 2 also
demonstrates that when packaging bag 212 is inserted directly into
the evacuation chamber, an open end 214 of packaging bag 212 is
automatically positioned in bag-insert 200 such that open end 214
can be securely gripped between gripping post 206 and corresponding
indentations 210.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bag insert 300 in a closed
position with upper flap 302a disposed atop lower flap 302b for
gripping a packaging bag 312. Hinge mechanism 304 makes it possible
for upper flap 302a to be disposed atop lower flap 302b easily.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view 400 of a bag-insert 401 that is
oriented in an operable relationship with an evacuation chamber
420. Evacuation chamber 420 includes an orifice 425 defined by a
perimeter 425a. To explain the orientation of bag-insert 401,
bag-insert 401 is oriented such that the receiving opening 403
formed by upper flap 402b and lower flap 402b is outwardly facing
through orifice 425 of evacuation chamber 420. Evacuation chamber
further includes an optional gasket 422.
[0027] FIG. 4 also demonstrates that packaging 412 can be securely
held in position, suitable for an evacuation procedure, using a
gripping mechanism. In certain embodiments, the gripping mechanism
includes gripping posts 406 and corresponding indentations 410.
However, the embodiments are not limited to any particular type of
gripping mechanisms. Thus, the type of gripping mechanism varies
from implementation to implementation. For example, the
indentations 410 may be optional. Another non-limiting example of a
suitable gripping mechanism are roughened edges along the length of
either or both flaps of the bag-insert so that friction provided by
the roughened edges would hold a packaging bag in position.
Further, the bag-insert may be equipped with a magnet such that the
upper flap is attracted into a closed position atop the lower flap
when the upper flap is in relative close proximity to the lower
flap. The magnetic strength of such a magnet may be selected such
that the bag-insert can maintain a suitable grip on a packaging bag
even when the packaging bag is loaded with content. The magnetic
strength can vary from implementation to implementation.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates the placement and removability of the
bag-insert 501 from evacuation chamber 520, according to certain
embodiments. In order to remove bag-insert 501 from evacuation
chamber, one need only push on one edge of the bag-insert 501. FIG.
5 shows a user's thumb pushing on one end 505a of the bag-insert
501. The user can push on either end (505a or 505b) of bag-insert
501 to achieve the same result of extricating bag-insert 501 from
evacuation chamber 520. Each end (505a and 505b) of bag-insert 501
is characterized by curved edges such as curved edge 506. To
explain, the edge of the upper flap 502a and the lower flap 502b
are curved on either end. When a user pushes on a curved end such
as end 505a of bag-insert 501, the force that is exerted on the
curved end 505a causes a rotation of bag-insert 501 about curved
end 505a against a back wall of evacuation chamber 520. Such a
rotation causes the bag-insert to rotate out of the evacuation
chamber.
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a vacuum packaging appliance 600 that
includes a direct bag-insert feature and is configured for
under-cabinet or under-counter use, according to certain
embodiments. Vacuum packaging appliance 600 may be configured
either as a lidded appliance or a lidless appliance. Lidless
configurations are described in greater detail herein with
reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. Lidded configurations are described
in greater detail herein with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.
[0030] Further, FIG. 6 shows that the vacuum packaging appliance
600 is configured for mounting under a cabinet 650 using a mounting
mechanism such as mounting bracket 655. Vacuum packaging appliance
600 includes a bag-insert 620, shown at an orifice or receiving
slot 622 of an evacuation chamber for vacuum packaging appliance
600. The evacuation chamber orifice 622 is disposed on the frontal
side 632 of vacuum packaging appliance 600 for easy access. In
operation, an open end of a packaging bag may be conveniently
inserted in bag-insert mouth 624 formed by upper flap 626a and
lower flap 626b, and disposed therebetween. Bag-insert 620 further
includes a gripping mechanism 628 for maintaining an open end of a
packaging bag in position for evacuation and or sealing. One
non-limiting example of a gripping mechanisms are gripping posts on
one flap with or without corresponding indentation on the opposite
flap and sized for suitable mating with the gripping posts. Another
non-limiting example of a gripping mechanism for positioning a
packaging bag in the bag-insert is a roughened outer edge along the
length of the one or both flaps of the bag-insert. FIG. 6 also
shows an access door 630 through which a drip tray (not shown) can
be removed for cleaning, according to certain embodiments. The drip
tray feature is optional. In some embodiments where the evacuation
chamber is integrated with a drip tray, the integrated evacuation
chamber/drip tray may be removed for cleaning via access door
630.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a side cross sectional schematic illustrating some
of the features of a vacuum packaging appliance that includes a
bag-insert mechanism, according to certain embodiments. In FIG. 7,
vacuum packaging appliance 700 is configured as a lidless
under-cabinet appliance. Lidless packaging appliance 700 is
conveniently stationed under cabinet 750 using support braces 755.
Lidless packaging appliance 700 includes a bag-insert 706 in an
evacuation chamber 702, a slot 704 for accessing the bag-insert,
and optionally, a drip tray 718. FIG. 7 shows that evacuation
chamber 702, and bag-insert 706 are disposed in a manner to allow
access via the frontal side 701 of the vacuum packaging appliance.
FIG. 7 also shows a sealing mechanism for hermetically sealing
evacuation chamber 702 when a vacuum is to be created in evacuation
chamber 702. Such a sealing mechanism includes actuator bladders
708a and 708b connected to a vacuum motor 710, and shutter
mechanisms 712a and 712b. Shutter mechanisms 712a and 712b are
spring loaded by springs 714a and 714b. Springs 714a and 714b keep
the shutter mechanisms in a retracted position such that slot 704
remains unobstructed and unsealed to allow access to bag-insert 706
and evacuation chamber 702. In order to hermetically seal
evacuation chamber 702, the actuator bladders 708a, 708b are
inflated with the aid of vacuum motor 710. Vacuum motor 710 intakes
air from the evacuation chamber and exhausts the air into actuator
bladders 708a, 708b. As actuator bladders 708a, 708b inflate, they
push against springs 714a, 714b and cause shutter mechanisms 712a
and 712b into an extended position. The shutter mechanisms 712a and
712b are extended until slot 704 is completely sealed from the
exterior of the appliance. Vacuum motor 710 continues to operate in
order to completely evacuate the evacuation chamber. Appropriate
bleeder mechanisms can be employed to exhaust excess air to the
exterior once the actuator bladders are full. Shutter mechanisms
712a and 712b may optionally include gaskets and a heat sealing
profile such a as heat sealing element 716.
[0032] FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of some features of
a lidless vacuum packaging appliance with a bag-insert, according
to certain other embodiments. In FIG. 8, lidless packaging
appliance 800 is mounted under cabinet 850 using support mounts
855. Lidless packaging appliance 800 includes a bag-insert 806 in
an evacuation chamber 802 and optionally, a drip tray 818. The
receiving portion of bag-insert 806 is disposed for access on the
frontal side 801 of vacuum packaging appliance 800. Slot 804 is
hermetically sealed from the exterior of the appliance by balloons
808 and 809. Balloons can be inflated using vacuum pump 801 into an
inflated position as shown by ghost outlines 808a and 809a. One of
the balloons may include a heat sealing profile such as heat
sealing element 816.
[0033] FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of some features of
a vacuum packaging appliance with a bag-insert in a lidded
configuration, according to certain embodiments. To save
counter-space, lidded packaging appliance 900 can be mounted under
cabinet 950 using support braces 955. Lidded packaging appliance
900 includes a lid 920, a bag-insert 906 in an evacuation chamber
902, a vacuum motor 910, and optionally, a drip tray 918.
Evacuation chamber 902 can be hermetically sealed from the exterior
by moving lid 920 into a closed position as shown by ghost outline
924. Optionally, lid 920 can slid into a convenient position atop
the appliance as shown by ghost outline 922. By sliding lid 920 to
rest on the top surface of the appliance, a user of the appliance
is offered an unobstructed view of the frontal portion of
bag-insert 906 so as to allow the user to maneuver a packaging bag
into bag-insert 906.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lidded vacuum packaging
appliance with a bag-insert feature. Lidded appliance 1000 shows a
lid 1020, a bag-insert 1006 in an evacuation chamber 1006. Slot
1004 of evacuation chamber may optionally include gasket 1008 for
effecting a better static seal. Lid 1020 may optionally include a
suitable gasket (not shown) to effect a better hermetic seal when
lid 920 is in the closed position. Further, lid 1020 may optionally
include a latching mechanism (not shown) to secure the lid in a
closed position.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lidded vacuum packaging
appliance with a bag-insert feature, according to certain
embodiments. In FIG. 11, evacuation chamber 1102 and bag-insert
1106 are disposed for access above the top horizontal surface 1116
of vacuum packaging appliance 1100. The receiving slot 1104 of
evacuation chamber 1102 is in a plane that is parallel to a frontal
side 1115 of vacuum packaging appliance 1100, according to certain
embodiments. According to certain other embodiments, the receiving
slot of the evacuation chamber is in a plane that is parallel to
top horizontal surface 1116 of vacuum packaging appliance 1100.
Evacuation chamber 1102 can be hermetically sealed from the
exterior by lid 1120. Lid 1120 can include a suitable gasket and or
latch.
[0036] In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention
have been described with reference to numerous specific details
that may vary from implementation to implementation. It will be
evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto
without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the
invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
* * * * *